Mecklenburg County ABC Store

On approach I was skeptical. Very skeptical. This stretch of North Tryon is far from glamorous. Across the street there is a used car dealership advertising «Compre Aquí — Pague Aquí». The traffic is heavy, loud, and unruly. Veering wildly across the hectic six lanes of traffic, I pulled into the calm parking lot pleased to find that I was still alive. Maybe that joy had me looking at this ABC store though rose-​colored glasses.
The exterior is the same as the ABC stores in poor neighborhoods: a horrendous 1990 design that they dusted off when renovation funds became available. They are all butt ugly, but like a bottle of liquor it’s what’s inside that counts. And inside is bounty. The «specials» rack is right up front, tempting me to try something new. I’ll probably love it. 20% off? Who can say no to 20% off? Unfortunately, I was here to buy gin, and the specials didn’t have any appealing gins. The Gin section, however, held all manner of worldly offerings. They have the enormous ($ 70?) bottles of Hendrick’s. So tempting. If only I didn’t have to pay rent. I toyed with the Tanqueray, but settled on another London Dry Gin. It was called Pinnacle, and it makes an inspiring G’n’T.